Bangladeshi music legend Runa Laila is set to be honoured in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the arts at a prestigious Indian award ceremony. She will be presented with the “Minare Delhi” accolade at the 15th Delhi International Film Festival, scheduled to take place from 4 to 8 May in New Delhi.
The festival is organised under an institution affiliated with India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and has grown into a significant platform for international cinema and cultural exchange. This year’s edition has already generated considerable attention across the global film and cultural community, particularly due to the participation of renowned artists and filmmakers from across South Asia.
Runa Laila expressed her gratitude in response to the announcement, stating that she feels honoured to receive such a distinguished invitation. She described her participation in the festival as a matter of pride and said she looks forward to attending the event in person. Her reaction reflects the significance of the recognition, which celebrates not only her individual achievements but also her decades-long influence on South Asian music.
In an official letter, festival founder and president Ram Kishore Parcha praised Runa Laila’s extraordinary musical journey. He highlighted how her voice has captivated audiences in both Bangladesh and India for several decades, helping to strengthen cultural ties between the two nations. According to him, the award symbolises not only artistic excellence but also the enduring friendship and cultural harmony shared across borders.
This year’s festival will be hosted at two major cultural venues in New Delhi. Organisers have announced a strong focus on socially relevant cinema, including themes such as women’s empowerment, children’s issues, and broader social transformation. Special emphasis will also be placed on encouraging and promoting women filmmakers, reflecting a growing commitment to inclusivity within the film industry.
A wide range of celebrated artists and filmmakers from the region are expected to attend. Among the notable names confirmed are Sharmila Tagore, Rituparna Sengupta, Revathi, Shweta Menon, Usha Uthup, Rajpal Yadav, and Raghubir Yadav, among others. Their presence is expected to add further prestige and diversity to the event.
Key Details of the Festival
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Event | Delhi International Film Festival |
| Edition | 15th |
| Dates | 4–8 May |
| Location | New Delhi, India |
| Special Honour | Minare Delhi Award |
| Awardee | Runa Laila |
| Main Focus | Women’s empowerment, social and children’s films |
| Notable Guests | Sharmila Tagore, Rituparna Sengupta, Revathi, Shweta Menon, Usha Uthup, Rajpal Yadav, Raghubir Yadav, and others |
The honour is widely viewed as a significant milestone in Runa Laila’s illustrious career. Organisers have also expressed hope that such recognitions will further deepen cultural ties between Bangladesh and India, reinforcing shared artistic traditions and mutual appreciation across the region.